Pete Davidson Admits Tattoo Removal Process Is 'Hard' After Spending Six Figures But 'It's Super Worth It'

For Pete Davidson, removing his tattoos ranks among the better decisions he has made, although it hasn't come without its share of sacrifice.

The “Saturday Night Live” alum recently opened up once again about his ongoing mission to laser the bulk of his body ink, which he began in 2020. 

Although the actor still has several years left before his skin is completely cleared, he now admits that the journey has been far from easy.

During a recent sit-down, the comedian shared an update on the removal journey, noting that he has not regretted the decision because the ink work no longer represents who he is today.

“It's a lot, and it's super worth it for me because I don't like my tattoos, and I am a different person than I was when I got them,” Davidson told US Magazine.

While clarifying that he has nothing against tattoos in general and even admires people with meaningful or well-done ink, he explained that his issue lies specifically with his own. 

“When I see myself in the mirror, I just see, you know, poor decision-making, and I wasn't there yet as an adult,” he confessed, adding, “Mine are literally stupid, except for like five of them that I'm keeping.”

Although Davidson admits that clearing off his skin has been worth it, the procedure hasn't come cheap, as he has already spent nearly $200,000 and is only about 30 percent done.

The comedian described the experience as difficult, cautioning anyone considering it to be ready for a long and painful journey. “It's a long game. Anyone who's interested in doing it, just know that it's gonna take a long time,” he explained. “That's a hard thing, especially for a guy like me who does comedy.” 

Still, he encouraged anyone who truly wants to do it to go for it, proudly noting that his arms are clear and that he can wear a T-shirt.

As for how others perceive him now that most of his body art is fading, Davidson said he hasn't noticed much of a change in how people treat him.

This is not the first time Davidson has detailed the gruesome reality of fading his body ink. Back in August, The Blast reported he shared how unpleasant the experience is, comparing the feeling to "putting your arm on a grill and burning off a layer." 

He added that the aftercare and healing make it even more difficult, admitting, "It's pretty tough. It sucks. I'm not gonna lie."

The 31-year-old also revealed that many of his tattoos were done during a dark period in his life. However, according to sources, his decision to erase them marks the beginning of a new chapter for the actor, who is preparing to welcome a child with his girlfriend, Elsie Hewitt.

While Davidson has been open about his tattoo removal journey, he's also candidly discussed his feelings about becoming a dad.

In an interview two months ago, the comedian admitted that his reaction to Hewitt's pregnancy reveal on Instagram was one of guilt rather than excitement, due to the intense public scrutiny that follows him.

"I feel bad for my girl because I bring a lot of sh-t," Davidson said honestly, per The Blast, acknowledging that any move he or Hewitt makes becomes a topic for discussion. 

He explained that, unlike him, his girlfriend is a private person who does all the hard work, and he feels guilty that she won’t be able to have the ideal pregnancy most women do. 

With a baby on the way, the “Dog Man” voice actor may be worried about the state of his finances. According to The Blast, much of the actor’s stress comes from his real estate investments, including a $1.2 million Staten Island condo he has been trying to sell since 2022 without success. 

A significant portion of his money is said to be tied up in properties and other ventures, leaving him worried about his financial flexibility as he anticipates the arrival of his child. 

Sources also noted that upkeep and renovations on his decommissioned Staten Island ferry, which he co-owns with Colin Jost, may have added to the strain.